Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that the state government will seek Central assistance of 7000 crore rupees for drought mitigation. He also said that since the government declared drought in October itself, the Central funds are expected to be received by January next year.

Speaking to reporters in Osmanabad in Marathwada region yesterday, Mr Fadnavis said a proposal has already been prepared which will be sent to the Union government by tomorrow. The state government had on October 31 declared drought in 151 talukas in 26 out of 36 districts.

Of the 26 districts, eight districts each fall in the Vidarbha and the Marathwada regions, five districts in North Maharashtra, four districts in western Maharashtra and one district, Palghar, in the coastal Konkan region.  The Chief Minister said the government has mentioned in its proposal that the Central funds would be used towards paying the crop loans of farmers, arranging fodder for animals and for drinking water purposes.

Fadnavis said that the state government will also request the Centre to expedite the process of sending a Central team to assess the drought situation and submit its report. He added  that his government has initiated relief measures swiftly.